Sawara after the Rain

A serene journey back in time

Vicky Amin Apr 06, 2016 - 1 min read

After 15 minutes of walking away from the station area, I finally arrived in the “Little Edo” part of Sawara

Sawara train station. The old feel of Japan can already be felt here!

Sawara’s modern area, just near the station

The canal turned green because of the rain

Traditional townhouses are everywhere around this area, adding the atmosphere of ancient Japan throughout Sawara

A magnificent, ancient scene of Sawara. It was really peaceful as not many people were willing to take a stroll in such wet pathways.

I spent hours just to walk slowly, then stopped to enjoy the view, then walked, then stopped to feel the fresh air, then walked, then stopped to take pictures... It could really last forever!

What is better for your eyes to feast, than a portrait of classic stone-paved walkways with wooden buildings on each sides, and a kimono-dressed lady can be seen walking down the road?

On a fine day, this pier is where you can hop on and off the wooden boat for a traditional canal cruise

And when the lights start to turn on, the quiet Sawara is ready to spark a whole lot more serene atmosphere

Just northeast of Narita City, a small historic town lies with its ancient face. Sawara is known to retain a classic Edo atmosphere, with old streets, traditional wooden townhouses and shops, which line along an old wooden-fenced Sawara Canal and crossed by several bridges. Visiting on a clear day would take you back to the relaxed atmosphere of old Japan, but after the rain would be a thousand times better.

I was on my hour long trip to the northern area of Chiba Prefecture when the rain started pouring, and my mood began to drop. With not many options to take, I resumed my plan and went on to Sawara. Fortunately, the rainfall slowed down as I stepped out of the station. I walked towards the canal, against the chilly wind and through the puddles, only to discover that my decision to explore “Little Edo” after rain is worth the effort.

Vicky Amin @vicky.amin632

A traveler, budding travel writer, and amateur author. Writing is my way to redo my amazing journey all over again. I started "Cheating the World" project and with it, I've made two of my annual trips in a form of a book: "Cheating Southern Vietnam", and "Cheating Hong Kong & Macau" (still in Ba...